Arroyo’s presence in the opening ceremony of the Olympics 2008 may be acceptable if only to show her support to the Philippine olympic team. Like the other heads of state who were there. But one wonders, why she had to stay in China for another 3 days? Would “sharing tables in a lavish luncheon” as reported by the Consulate be more important than attending to the country’s problems? If the Consulate believes that feeding us this kind of “feel good” story makes Filipinos feel good, then the Consulate is wrong. I for one feel like throwing up when I read or hear such stories that the Philippine president was “sharing table in a lavish luncheon” with other heads of state, when it is known that the country is in crisis. I also feel ashamed of being Filipino because the president’s behavior might be taken as being reflective of Filipino values.

The Consulate report is very revealing. It confirmed what others knew all along. Aside from learning that she was playing “big time” by sharing table with other heads of state, what else was confirmed? That she was lobbying for support for the election of Miriam Defensor-Santiago to the ICJ.

Were there other presidential errands not reported by the Consulate? Based on reports, Arroyo was in China too to stand witness to the signing of a $150 million private deal between a Chinese company and two Filipino corporations headed by her former chief of staff Michael Defensor. Where in the world could you find a president standing witness to the signing of a private business deal? Oh, please give us a break!